The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union has secured the rights to host the National Sevens Tournament in Rotorua in 2014 and 2015 the New Zealand Rugby Union announced today.
"Sevens is rising in popularity across both the men's and women's games so we are very keen to make the mostof this and Rotorua offers us the best opportunity to do that," said NZRU chief executive Steve Tew.
"2014 and 2015 are critical years in the build-up to Sevens' debut on the Olympic stage in 2016 so we are really excited about the role Rotorua will play in our plans to win two golds at Rio."
Queenstown has hosted the tournament since 2003 and NZRU decided earlier this year to call for tenders for the event to ensure it catered for the future needs of players, fans, sponsors and broadcasters.
"The National Sevens Tournament is a proven springboard for players to step up to the top level so it's important we safeguard the role it plays," said Tew.
"We need greater capacity to cater for future expansion of the tournament both in terms of grounds and spectator facilities and Bay of Plenty provided a compelling package in that regard."
Next year's national tournament takes place in Queenstown on January 12-13.
